Some of you know that one of my favorite things to do is watch the Olympic Games, even if I have to lose sleep to do it! Luckily it only happens every four years. Given that my family comes from all over the world, I have plenty of choice of countries to support! I had the privilege of meeting some of the US athletes a few years ago, and I love watching the track events. And of course I am super South African proud of their two gold medalists.

‘Do not be afraid.’ Jesus said these words over and over in the gospels, as if he knew that as humans there is so much to fear in this world, so much to get anxious and worry about. ‘Do not be afraid, little flock.’ The words sound like they are spoken with affection and tenderness, to both his disciples and to the thousands of people in the crowds following him. Wouldn’t you love not to be afraid, not to have reasons to be afraid?

On June 10 this year my eye caught an intriguing headline on a facebook article, ‘St. Mary Magdalene Gets a Feast-Day Upgrade’. Faithful to the wish of Pope Francis, a new decree bumped the liturgical celebration honoring St. Mary Magdalene from what apparently was a “memorial” to a “feast,” which puts her on par with the apostles. I am glad that her remembrance has become equal to that of the apostles.